An intriguing match-up of lightweight ground specialists appears to be taking shape for the UFC 146 card in Las Vegas on May 26th. According to ESPN UK, british submission wizard, Paul Sass, will take on Minnesota’s own Jacob Volkmann:
Verbal agreements are in place for a lightweight match between England’s undefeated submission specialist Paul Sass and Jacob Volkmann at UFC 146 in Las Vegas.
Both men are riding extensive winning streaks and although they can both be considered “ground specialists”, their styles are quite different with Sass employing a relentless submission attack, and pulling guard repeatedly to ensnare opponents in his signature submissions: the triangle choke and the heel hook. Volkmann, on the other hand, is a methodical, grinding wrestler who dominates and smothers via position before attacking, usually with d’arce or rear naked chokes. Volkmann’s style has been roundly criticized as boring, but his awkward post-fight interviews and public statements about President Obama have gotten him some attention, although not always the kind he wants, as he’s now been suspended twice by the high school that employs him as a wrestling coach.
Paul Sass (12-0)
W Michael Johnson (submission – heel hook) – UFC on Versus 6
W Mark Holst (submission – triangle choke) – UFC 120
W Jason Young (submission – heel hook) – OMMAC 4
Jacob “Christmas” Volkmann (14-2)
W Efrain Escudero (unam. decision) – UFC 141
W Danny Castillo (unam. decision) – UFC on Versus 5
W Antonio McKee (split decision) – UFC 125